Double spiral patent foramen ovale closure clamp

Abstract

The present invention provides a device which is adapted to press together the septum primum and the septum secundum between the atrial chambers to close any tunnel in the septum. The device in its preferred form has two clamping members, one on each side of the septum and a central connector which connects the two clamping members and passes through the tunnel. The device is configured to conform to the anatomy such that the tunnel is not substantially deformed by the device. The central connector, in its preferred form has two wires that are spaced apart so that the wires are proximate the lateral sides of the tunnel. The spacing allows the device to be centered at an appropriate location.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device adapted to press together the septum primum and the septum secundum between the atrial chambers, the device comprising: two clamping members including elongate wire members that are spiral shaped, wherein the elongate members of the occluder terminate at one end of each in a ball, wherein one clamping member may be disposed on a side of the septum and a central connector which connects the two clamping members and passes through the tunnel wherein the central connector includes two wires that are spaced apart at a portion of their length so that the wires are proximate the lateral sides of the tunnel so that the device may be centered in a passage between the atrial chambers, wherein the central connector is connected to at least one clamping member at an inner part of the spiral shaped wire member. 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central connector is connected to at least one clamping member at the outer part of the spiral shaped wire member. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the force applied to the septum primum and septum secundum is created by the spiral shape of the elongate members. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 3 , wherein the clamping members are formed from nitinol. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central connector is formed from nitinol. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central connector is adapted to center the device in the lateral direction along a longitudinal passageway. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the spiral shaped elongate members have a helical form. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting member comprises two elongate wires in a S shape. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting member comprises two elongate wires in a square shape.